Arizona Cardinals love Jermaine Gresham, and he wants to stay

Jermaine Gresham #84 of the Cardinals celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the first half against the Falcons at the Georgia Dome on November 27, 2016 in Atlanta.(Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Through his first six games this season, Jermaine Gresham totaled just six receptions for 59 yards and no touchdowns. In his past nine games, the Cardinals tight end has 31 catches for 331 yards and two touchdowns – almost double his totals from all of last season.

But it isn’t just Gresham’s production as a pass catcher that’s made coach Bruce Arians happy.

“Oh, it’s the passion, the amount of toughness,” Arians said Wednesday as the Cardinals returned to practice in preparation for Sunday’s season finale against the Los Angeles Rams.

Gresham is as miffed as anyone over the team’s 6-8-1 record, but poor results or not, he’s always going to play angry and with an edge.

“It’s a pride thing,” he said. “At the end of the day, as a man, it’s just pretty much a pride thing. You want to be respected by your peers and things like that, so that’s pretty much why I go out there and play.”

Gresham was one of the team’s bigger leaders during last Saturday’s 34-31 victory at Seattle, and it’s that quality that likely will result in his re-signing with the club this offseason.

Gresham, who turned down better offers to return to the Cardinals this season, said he definitely wants to play for Arizona again in 2017. He said he believes the Cardinals remain legitimate contenders and can easily turn things around next year.

“Most definitely; I still have faith in this team,” he said. “More than anything, it was just a couple situational things that didn’t go our way and we didn’t play our best football, but that doesn’t have anything to do with how well we can play.”

Arians singled out Gresham’s blocking ability and how well the tight end fended off Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett in several one-on-one situations. To Gresham, delivering the perfect block is just as satisfying as catching a clutch first down from Carson Palmer.

“Whatever gets the win,” he said. “Whether that’s David (Johnson) taking the ball 40 yards on a run play and me having the key block, I’m going to do it. I want to be a winner. At the end of the day, I don’t want to be known for a loser, I want to be a winner and that’s pretty much it.”

Gurley man

Of all the Los Angeles players adversely affected by the Rams’ poor season, nobody has probably felt worse or more disappointed than second-year running back Todd Gurley.

He’s clearly been hamstrung by the team’s lack of execution on offense and its inability to show consistency on the offensive line or at quarterback. The results have led directly to poor numbers for Gurley, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors a year ago after rushing for 1,106 yards on 229 attempts for a 4.8-yard average per carry and 10 touchdowns in just 13 games.

Through 15 games this season, Gurley has run for fewer yards (845) on more carries (264) and his touchdowns (six) are also down. It hasn’t been easy for him to keep his confidence up, said interim coach John Fassel.

“He’s struggling to maintain it,” Fassel said Wednesday during a conference call with Arizona reporters. “There’s really no other way around it. I’m sure he wanted more this season, and it really just hasn’t happened yet. But he’s tough, practices every rep at practice, he’s there early and attentive at every meeting. ...

“He’s a fighter, though, and he’ll bounce back next year. I have no doubt about it.”

2017 opponents

The two open slots in the Cardinals’ 2017 schedule will be determined by the outcome of two or three games this weekend. The Cardinals are locked into the No. 2 slot in the NFC West and will play the second-place teams in the NFC North and South next year.

The Cardinals will travel to play the loser of Sunday night’s game between Detroit and Green Bay, which will decide the NFC North title.

The Cardinals will host either Tampa Bay or New Orleans. The Buccaneers (8-7) clinch second place in the NFC South with a victory over Carolina and would come to Arizona. The Saints (7-8) will come to Arizona if they win at Atlanta and Tampa Bay loses.

Arizona’s 2017 schedule looks like this: Home games against Tampa Bay or New Orleans, Dallas, the New York Giants, Jacksonville, Tennessee, San Francisco, Seattle and Los Angeles and away games at Green Bay or Detroit, Philadelphia, Washington, Houston, Indianapolis, San Francisco, Seattle and Los Angeles. The road game against the Rams will be played in London at Twickenham Stadium in either Week 7 or 8.

Cardinals fans show their displeasure with a roughing the passer call in favor of the Saints during the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 18, 2016. Michael Chow/azcentral sports

A Cardinals fan reacts to a roughing the passer call in favor of the Saints during the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. December 18, 2016. Michael Chow/azcentral sports

Cardinals fans cheer for wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) after he moved to #3 on the reception list during their game against the Redskins, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016 in Glendale, Ariz. David Kadlubowski/azcentral sports

Cardinals fans Kenny Salinas (L) and Casey Lusk pose for a photo before the start of an NFL game between the Cardinals and Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. Ralph Freso/Getty Images

Cardinals fan Julius Shore grills sausages before the start of an NFL game between the Cardinals and Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. Ralph Freso/Getty Images

Mike and Carole Caraway (not pictured) place a bouquet of flowers on the Pat Tillman statue outside the University of Phoenix Stadium prior to the Arizona Cardinals NFL game Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016 in Glendale, Ariz. David Kadlubowski/azcentral sports

Mike and Carole Caraway pose for a photo after they placed a bouquet of flowers on the Pat Tillman statue outside the University of Phoenix Stadium prior to the Arizona Cardinals NFL game Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016 in Glendale, Ariz. David Kadlubowski/azcentral sports

Cardinals fans watch from the stands prior to the NFL game between the against the Seahawks and Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. Norm Hall/Getty Images

Kacie Holgate and Armando Grijalva from Peoria set up their tailgate before the Cardinals play against the Jets at University of Phoenix Stadium fore Monday Night Football in Glendale, Ariz. October 17, 2016. Michael Chow/azcentral sports

Former Arizona Cardinals' Roy Green name is revealed during his ring of honor induction at half time of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, in Glendale. Ross D. Franklin, AP

Jeremy Scott carries some beer with Jordan Dunny as they try to get out of the rain before the Cardinals game outside University of Phoenix Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Glendale, Ariz. Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 18: Arizona Cardinals fans cheer during the first half of the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at University of Phoenix Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) Norm Hall/Getty Images

Sep 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; An Arizona Cardinals fan roots for his team during the second half of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeat the Buccaneers 40-7. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; An Arizona Cardinals fan roots for his team during the second half of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeat the Buccaneers 40-7. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Grant Hunter, Keven Hughes, John McKenzie and Rick Blanchette tailgate on the Great Lawn prior to the Arizona Cardinals game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 in Glendale Ariz. David Kadlubowski/azcentral sports

Jennifer and Ryan Slackplay pong as they tailgate with friends on the Great Lawn prior to the Arizona Cardinals game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 in Glendale, Ariz. David Kadlubowski/azcentral sports

Football fans play Flip Cup as they tailgate on the Great Lawn prior to the Arizona Cardinals game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 in Glendale, Ariz. David Kadlubowski/azcentral sports

An Arizona Cardinals fan sheds tears during the National Anthem on the 15th anniversary of 9/11 before the Cardinals game against the New England Patriots on Sep. 11, 2016 in Glendale. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

A Cardinals fan looks on during the National Anthem during the first quarter of an NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New England Patriots in Glendale, Az., on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Albert Lebario from Peoria grills Hatch chiles while tailgating before the Arizona Cardinals host the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Sept. 11, 2016. Michael Chow, Michael Chow/azcentral.com

Former Cadinals WR Roy Green and current RB David Johnson speaks to the crowd at the Kick Off Party with the Arizona Cardinals Players at Cowboys Saloon in Peoria on September 6, 2016. Michael Chow/azcentral sports

Jace Chavez (left) and Ashton Maze, both 8 from Peoria, show their support at the Kick Off Party with the Arizona Cardinals Players at Cowboys Saloon in Peoria on September 6, 2016. Michael Chow/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals fans Russell Gray, 14, with his Uncle, Tim Lantis, and brother Aaron Gray, 12, cheer before a preseason game against the Denver Broncos at University of Phoenix Stadium on September 1, 2016. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals fan Janice Cromer and Denver Broncos fan Brett Burdette of Mesa, wait for the game to start between the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Thursday, September 1, 2016. Tom Tingle/azcentral sports

A Cardinals fan and a Raider fan react to a Raiders' interception called back for pass interference during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 12, 2016 in Glendale, Ariz. Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

A Cardinals fan and a Raider fan react to a Raiders' interception called back for pass interference during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 12, 2016 in Glendale, Ariz. Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Cardinals fan Anthony Castro (left) of Sierra Vista cheers before the preseason opener against the Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Friday, August 12, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Cardinals fans, Leland Burnett (right) of Phoenix, cheers as the Cardinals offensive players are called out on the field just before the start of the preseason opener against the Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Friday, August 12, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Cardinals fans, (from left) Fernando Mendoza of Lake Havasu City, his son, Fernando Mendoza Jr., 8, his brother/ uncle, Alonso Mendoza Jr., of Phoenix and their father/ grandfather, Alonso Mendoza of Lake Havasu City, cheer as Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald and other offensive players are called out on the field just before the start of the preseason opener against the Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Friday, August 12, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Cardinals fans, Leland Burnett of Phoenix, holds up his hat as the Cardinals offensive players are called out on the field just before the start of the preseason opener against the Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Friday, August 12, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Cardinals fans wait for the doors to be opened to the University of Phoenix Stadium before the preseason opener against the Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Friday, August 12, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Cardinals fans wait for the doors to be opened to the University of Phoenix Stadium before the preseason opener against the Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Friday, August 12, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Cardinals fans wait for the doors to be opened to the University of Phoenix Stadium before the preseason opener against the Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Friday, August 12, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Cardinals fans walk through the doors of University of Phoenix Stadium before the preseason opener against the Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Friday, August 12, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Oakland Raider fans Anthony Anderson, of Phoenix, left, and Sean Roberts, of Glendale, set up their tailgating tent before a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 12, 2016. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals fans Bo Mitchell, of Phoenix, left, and Adam Castellano, of Litchfield Park, set up their tailgating tent before a preseason game against the Oakland Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 12, 2016. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals fan Jon Mitchell, of Goodyear, sports his cardinal red sunglasses, while tailgating before a preseason game against the Oakland Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 12, 2016. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals fan Shelby Pacheco, of Casa Grande, throws the ball while tailgating before a preseason game against the Oakland Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 12, 2016. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals fan Shelby Pacheco, of Casa Grande, throws the ball while tailgating before a preseason game against the Oakland Raiders at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 12, 2016. Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

Cardinals offensive lineman Jared Veldheer takes a selfie with fans following a Cardinals training camp practice at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Will Jenkins, 10, (left) and Carson Kolb, 10, both of Phoenix, watch a Cardinals training camp practice at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Mason Smith, 4, (left) of Tolleson, and his father, Marty Smith, watch a Cardinals training camp practice at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Narva Tigue of El Mirage, his wife, Anna Tigue and their children Narva Tigue II (left) and Marquez Tigue, who sticks his hand over his parents' head, take a family selfie during a Cardinals training camp practice at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Jonathan Gutierrez, 15, (center) of Phoenix and his mother Sonia Murillo (right) walk towards University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale to watch a Cardinals training camp on practice on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Steve Plapp of Phoenix sports a "Straight Outta Birdgang" T-shirt during a Cardinals' training camp practice at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Cardinals rookie defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche signs autographs following a Cardinals training camp practice at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Cardinals President Michael Bidwill signs autographs following a Cardinals training camp practice at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Cardinals running back David Johnson takes a selfie with fans following a Cardinals training camp practice at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald signs the jersey of Christian Delgado, 12, of Peoria, following a Cardinals training camp practice at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer signs autographs following a Cardinals training camp practice at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson signs autographs following a Cardinals training camp practice at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Emmett Pipkins of Paradise Valley (left) and other Cardinals fans wait at security to enter University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale to watch a Cardinals training camp on practice on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Lisa Martinez of Phoenix and her daughter, Jade Wescogame, 4, walk towards University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale to watch a Cardinals training camp on practice on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Sophie Valdez, 3, sits on her mother, Nancy Valdez's shoulders as they walk towards University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale to watch a Cardinals training camp on practice on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Priscila Acosta, 13, (left) and her sister, Dariana Acosta, 15, of Chihuahua City, Mexico, shoot video on their phones during a Cardinals training camp practice at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Sammy Porche of Scottsdale holds a cut-out head of Larry Fitzgerald as Kim Kidd, (right) also of Scottsdale, cheers for the star wide receiver during a Cardinals training camp practice at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, July 30, 2016. David Wallace/azcentral sports